Fate Of UConn West Hartford Campus Discussed

WEST HARTFORD — UConn is accepting public comment on what should be done with its Asylum Avenue campus, and some town administrators and members of the public weighed in at a meeting Tuesday.

Jason Coite, environmental compliance manager for UConn, said that the meeting was the first step in the environmental impact evaluation process, which is mandated by state law. While it is required that UConn consider a "no action" option, Coite said the school does not plan to keep any active programs at the West Hartford campus when its Greater Hartford branch moves to a new Hartford location in 2017.

About 50 people attended Tuesday's meeting to discuss what will happen to the 58-acre parcel bordered by Lawler Road, Trout Brook Drive and Asylum Avenue that includes the Harleigh B. Tracker Library and four other buildings. The property also includes parking for 1,050 vehicles and houses intramural playing fields that are leased to the town.

Mayor Scott Slifka said the town has zoning authority over any development on the property, "and we intend to exercise that."

Trout Brook and its tributaries run through the property, and Mark McGovern, director of community services for the town, said that approximately 60 percent of the property contains wetlands, which limit development options.

He urged UConn to conduct a thorough survey of wetlands and create an updated map of the property to clarify which areas could support development, and which would be regulated by state wetlands restrictions.

Town Manager Ron Van Winkle said there is going to be significant interest from developers in the property, and the town will have right of first refusal should the state declare the property surplus and put it up for sale.

There are about 184,000 square feet of existing buildings on the campus, but Van Winkle said the university estimates there is $25 million worth of deferred maintenances, so "this is not a gem... this is a used car."

Whether the buildings will be demolished has yet to be determined, and Coite and others emphasized that no plans have been made and all options are being considered for the property's use.

Because the property is zoned residential, any commercial development would require a complete zone change that would go through the town council, so, "we have control," Van Winkle said.

Several residents who spoke at the meeting said they are fearful for what might become of the vast parcel, but Ronald Reisner said he's involved with the West Hartford Symphony Orchestra and is "kind of excited" at the opportunity UConn's move presents.

He suggested the property be used to create a performing arts center similar to Simsbury Meadows for local performing arts.

Richard Chiarappa, the symphony's conductor, supported the plan, saying it's been his hope to create something "that will be a mark on the town for future generations."

Coite said that they "simply don't know at this time" when the next steps of the process might take place, but there would be further public meetings and discussions on any plans for the campus.

UConn is accepting public comments until Aug. 17. They may be sent to Jason Coite at University of Connecticut, 31 LeDoyt Road, Unit 3055, Storrs, CT, or at jason.coite@uconn.edu, or by fax at 860-486-5477.